Planting

Amplifying Positive Impacts of Early Soybean Planting April 19, 2018

The benefits of planting soybean near May 1 are well documented. Now, what are the next steps growers can take to further expand on these benefits? Are different maturity groups warranted? What groups are typically being used in irrigated and rainfed environments in Nebraska?

Figure 1. Planting into cold soil (below 50°F) when cold conditions are expected for the next 48 hours can lead to germination problems and seedlings not emerging or not emerging well. 1a. Corn seedling that started leafing out below ground and now has twisted leaves which will delay or negate normal plant development.. Figures 1b-c. Unemerged seedlings attempting to leaf out belowground. None of the seedlings shown should be counted as a productive plant.

Cold Soil Temperature and Corn Planting Windows April 12, 2018

With stormy conditions back in the picture, many growers may be concerned about planting corn into cold, wet soils? By checking weather forecasts and soil temperature at planting (in the field and online) and the cold tolerance of seed, growers can identify 48-hour windows of opportunity for planting.

Cold Germination Test for Corn and Soybeans April 10, 2018

A cold germination test is used to evaluate the emergence of a seed lot in cold wet soils. Developed to simulate adverse field conditions, it is the most widely used vigor test for corn and soybean.

Consider No-till Seeding Alfalfa This Year April 6, 2018

No-till seeding alfalfa can help preserve crop residue on the soil surface, reduce soil erosion, limit weed seeds on the soil surface, and perhaps most importantly this year, help conserve soil moisture.

Graph of yields from soybean population study

What On-Farm Research has Taught Us about Soybean Seeding Rates April 6, 2018

More than a decade of on-farm research studies in Nebraska show how soybean seeding rates (and the related input costs) can be reduced without significantly affecting yield. See what growers learned and consider whether a change might benefit your bottom line.

Chart showing results of soybean row-spacing research

Results from 2017 Soybean Study and Insights for 2018 Planting February 22, 2018

University researchers report results from studies conducted on herbicide tolerance trait, row spacing (15-inch vs. 30-inch), and soybean maturities (early vs. late) at three locations of the Soybean Management Field Days in summer 2017.

How Winter Wheat Seeding Date Can Have a Major Effect on Yields September 1, 2017

The recommended seeding dates for Nebraska's winter wheat vary substantially from one end of the state to the other — from September 1 in the extreme northwest to October 1 in the southeast tip — and have been proven and verified through years of research and farmer experience.

Q&A - Any Tips for Setting my Drill for Seeding Wheat? September 1, 2017

Q: Last year I didn't get good seed-to-soil contact with my wheat seeder and my stands were uneven. What should I do differently? Proper seed depth and weight on the drill are among the factors to check.